Written by

News-Leader Staff

Fire marshals said they are investigating two exploding devices that caused minor damage Wednesday afternoon at a Missouri State University sorority.

The incident took place at the rear entrance of Gamma Phi Beta, 1141 E. Elm St.

A news release from the Springfield Fire Department said that a woman suffered minor chemical burns while attempting to clean up debris from what officials first called “chemical bombs,” but are now characterizing as devices designed to explode under pressure.

Randy Villines said the fire department takes any type of intentional explosion seriously, though it’s not clear if the devices were meant to cause injury.

Fire officials said the containers likely ruptured several hours before being noticed.

“While these devices were not incendiary in nature and did not contain explosive material, they do pose a danger to individuals,” a release from the department said.

There are no suspects, the department said, but anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 417-869-8477.

A fire department news release about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday erroneously listed the incident at a house nearby.

Officials took responsibility for the mix-up, saying it occurred because of information provided by the injured woman, who said she did work at the other, nearby house.